My friend, colleague, and fellow-poet, Dr. Andy Jones, recently published another meaningful collection of poems: In the Almond Orchard: Coming Home from War. The book:

“represents the experiences of American veterans who have served overseas, and who are readjusting to life in the United States, especially California, after their service. The book was made possible by support from YoloArts and the California Arts Council. Profits from the sale of this book will fund the Charles Ternes Creativity Prize for Veteran Students at the University of California, Davis.” ~ UC Davis University Writing Program

This is a sequel to two other fine collections, Split Stock and the poetry-and-essay collection, co-written with his wife, author Kate Duren, Where’s Jukie?

I’ve read the newest book and enjoyed it very much. Some of my favorite poems from it are the title poem, “In the Almond Orchard,” and “Secret Milestones,” “Flirtations with Loss,” “Out,” “Goodbye to Elvis Costello,” “Gifts and Prizes,” “The Chosen,” and “Conversion.” Lines from other poems stand out in my memory:

Wearing your coat,

your son climbed

the quaking aspen

~ from “It’s Your Funeral”

&

Note the scar tissue on the tongue

~ from “The March”

&

Thread the needle of my imagination

~ from “Overseas, A Tailor Regrets the Absence of his Beloved”

I appreciate the thoughtfulness and insight in the poems Dr. Andy Jones has written for In the Almond Orchard: Coming Home from War.